By Stephanie Gardner

0

Mar 12, 2013 10:50:00 PM

This season, Nick LaBrocca returned to the greater Denver area after three years away and the midfielder talked to Goal.com about his affection for the Rapids.

As the cameras zoomed in on Pablo Mastroeni limping off the field Sunday afternoon, a quiet milestone occurred at center field. Nick LaBrocca, the substitute, found himself back where his MLS career began: playing for the Colorado Rapids.

The 28-year old started his career after being picked up in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by the Rapids. During his three seasons in the Mile High City, he earned a consistent starting role in the league. On March 10, 2013, LaBrocca took the field for his first club once again.

"This place is very close to my heart," LaBrocca told Goal.com. "I have a lot of pride being here. I have a connection with a lot of the fans who were here, hopefully I can build that with the newer fans."

There have been a lot of changes at the club since LaBrocca left after the 2009 season. The Rapids won the MLS Cup in 2010, and have since experienced a complete overhaul of players and staff.

LaBrocca found himself traded back to the Rapids from Chivas USA in exchange for Eric Avila.

"We have a great fan base," the scorer of MLS’ 10,000th goal said. "We just need to put it out there for them every single time, just to show them how much I appreciate them, and results will come."

With Pablo Mastroeni still questionable for the Rapids' upcoming match against rival Real Salt Lake, LaBrocca may see his first start for the Colorado Rapids since September 2009 this Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium.